Anti-CD20 Therapy Safety and Outcomes in Pregnancy

<p>Recent clinical reviews and real-world registry data indicate that <strong>anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies</strong> are generally safe for women of reproductive age managing <strong>multiple sclerosis</strong> and other autoimmune conditions. Because these drugs do not significantly cross the <strong>placenta</strong> until the second trimester, exposure during the preconception period or early pregnancy does not appear to increase the risk of <strong>congenital malformations</strong>. While infants exposed later in gestation may experience <strong>transient B-cell depletion</strong>, they typically recover within six months without a heightened risk of serious infection. Research suggests that <strong>spontaneous abortion</strong> rates remain within the expected range for the general population, although some data show a slight increase in &quot;exposed&quot; pregnancies. Consequently, experts are moving toward more flexible <strong>washout periods</strong> to ensure continuous maternal disease control while monitoring newborns for immune recovery. To maintain infant safety, medical guidelines recommend deferring <strong>live vaccines</strong> for at least six months following late-pregnancy exposure.</p>